news ISSUE • DECEMBER 2017 BMVBMV For Non-Muslims only

Novitiate Programme 1st December to 10th December

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• Message ...... 2 by Ven. Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayaka Maha era • Rahula, the fi rst ...... 2 - 3 • Th eri forged the liberation of Buddhist women ...... 3 - 4 by Ranjitha Weerakoon • Th e Jaya Sri Maha of , ...... 5 • BMV New and Activities ...... 6 - 7 • Revolution of the Wheel of Experience ...... 8 by Ven. Dr. M. Punnaji Maha era • Projects – Lend a Hand ...... 9 • Pen Portraits – Cūlapanthaka Th era and Māhapanthaka Th era ...... 10 • Senior Living – Family Confl icts over Elderly Parents...... 11 • Friends of the Vihara (FOV) Activities ...... 12 • BISDS Activities ...... 12 • Building Fund ...... 13 • Recreation ...... 14 - 15 • Daily / Weekly Activities and Projects ...... 16 2 | MESSAGE FEATURE | 3

unique occasion. Princess Yasodhara, knowing the seven great treasures VENERABLE CHIEF’S MESSAGE possessed by the then Prince Siddhattha, entertained the idea of asking inheritance by sending Rahula to the Buddha. When he followed the footsteps of the Buddha while He was making Sukihotu alms-collecting rounds in the streets, he was in his seventh year of age. wish to touch on one of the four brahma-viharas or buddhist virtues not as a At that time, following the advice of his mother, he asked only for the meditative development but more as a simple explanation. heritage of mundane wealth.  e young boy was sent to the Lord with is a word from and that can be best described as appreciative certain instructions: “Dear Son, look at this wandering , who is joy or the ability to share the happiness and success of others even if one did not accompanied by twenty thousand . Although clean shaven, He Icontribute to it.  is attitude is the complement of karuna. While karuna or compassion has golden and excellent complexion like that of the great god Brahma. His shares the sorrow of others, mudita shares their joy. One who practices mudita will not face is shining with nobleness and compassion. He is your father who has owner of the spiritual or supramundane inheritance.” He decided to make only be happy when others do well, but will try to promote their progress and welfare. abundant hidden treasures which we have not seen since He renounced him a Samanera.  en, He said to the Venerable Sariputta, “Well, then, worldly life and performed the great act of Abhinikkhamana - the Great Sariputta! do please initiate this young prince Rahula.” So the great Arahant Cultivating mudita may seem di cult at times but its best to start feeling joy for others Renunciation. Now go and ask for your rightful inheritance.” Sariputta asked the prince to leave behind all kinds of worldly dress and with those closest to you rst like your siblings, close friends and relatives. A traditional  e young boy was instructed also to repeat these words “Dear father, I ornaments.  en Rahula was donned with the unique robe which all noble example of this mind-state is the attitude of mature, loving parents who observe a Sons of the Lord, in preparation to Arahanthood, must wear. growing child’s accomplishments and successes, without feeling narcissistic pride or am the Sakyan Prince who would become a paramount sovereign a er On another note, the Annual Novitiate Programme will my royal consecration. I need wealth. Please give it to me. Indeed, father,  e rst Samanera in this unique, noble Sasana was Rahula. A er his noble receiving any direct bene t for themselves. st th commence from 1 December to 10 December. We the son is the rightful owner of the father’s possessions.” Even while the example all must follow the path of humility and obedience. Another point to note is that while we rejoice when we see others happy, we should also look forward to your presences and participation in the Lord was walking in the street for alms, the boy was at His back asking Programme.  ank you. rejoice in our own well-being as well. “How can we feel joy for another person when for wealth, power and fame. When the young, tender Prince came close to Th e precept for Samanera we do not feel joy for ourselves?”  e biggest obstacle to feeling joy is the negativity we May you and your family enjoy the blessings of the the Bhagava he instantly felt lial a ection for his father. He also received All Samaneras, because of their full-time ethical endeavour, proceed to hold toward ourselves and others. When you judge yourself, compare yourself to others Triple Gem the pure, holy vibrations from the Lord. With joy at heart he said: “Lord, take Ten Precepts. For them they are to be observed in a strict manner.  e and envy others, you perpetuate a sense of aloneness. Joy, whether for yourself or for pleasant is the shade cast by you.” someone else can be di cult to accept because it is tied to issues of self-worth. May all Beings be well, happy and peaceful. Samanera code of conduct is as follows A er His meal the Bhagava uttered words of blessing leading to mental 1. To abstain from killing all living beings. By the act of comparing, you are looking to others in order to de ne yourself.  e spirit of peace and happiness, he rose up from his appointed seat and departed. As Ven. Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana Nayake Maha Th era 2. To abstain from stealing. mudita a rms that you deserve to be happy simply because you ARE, not because you’re he was eager to inherit the seven golden vessels, and as he was also obedient, Chief Incumbant Bhikkhu, 3. To abstain from sexual indulgence. the same as others or because you are smarter, richer, nicer, or “better” than anyone else. the prince followed Him again, saying: “O Lord, give me my inheritance; Buddhist Maha Vihara 4. To abstain from telling lies. When you believe and understand this truth, you can take delight in the happiness of Give me my inheritance Monk.” Knowing the exact nature of his future 5. To abstain from liquor and intoxicants. others instead of feeling threatened by it. destiny, the Bhagava did not send the prince back. Even the attendants 6. To abstain from eating in the a ernoon. were not able to make him turn back from following the Bhagava who did 7. To abstain from dancing, singing, watching musical performance. not feel any kind of annoyance. Perfect peace and compassion prevailed in 8. To abstain from using garlands, unguents, or ornaments. His heart. So Rahula was able to go 9. To abstain from sitting and sleeping on a big or broad bed. | FEATURE straight to the monastery together 10. To abstain from receiving gold and silver. with the Lord. For all who seek purity and liberation, the Samaneraship is conducive  ereupon the Bhagava thought: nd to peace and happiness.  e ten precepts ful l the need to purify the In conjunction with BMV’s 42 Novitiate Programme, the following article “The usual paternal property, mind and win higher and deeper knowledge. Truths can be realized by which deluded people greatly wish was adapted and edited from various different sources - Editor higher morality and insight.  us the ten precepts and 227 rules for, will surely lead to the rounds of of bhikkhus are basic requirements to maintain the Sasana pure.  e true birth and death. Property promotes Sasana needs good Samaneras who will become great bhikkhus in due longings and disputes. So I will Samanera Rahula taking his 10 course. RAHULA, THE FIRST SAMANERA precepts from Venerable Sariputta give him the seven sacred treasures with the Buddha observing. which I have acquired at the foot of Sources :- e Light of Dhamma publication; Tipitaka.net; the Bodhi Tree. I shall make him the Early Preparation In this Buddha Sasana, the rst Samanera was the famous only son of the Lord Buddha, who, by his unique example, showed how a Samanera should n the Buddha Sasana full-time devoted novices are known as observe their precepts.  ere are Six Rahulovada Suttas, in the Pali Canon “Samaneras.” According to Vinaya Rules young boys, ranging from the In conjunction with BMV’s special observance of Sanghamitta Full Moon Day admonishing the following virtues which every Samanera should possess tender age of seven to nineteen, can enter the religious life as novices. nd in order to be true to their calling: obedience, humility, service, honesty, on 2 December - Editor To do so they are required to possess certain standard and ability. truthfulness, perseverance, In the initiation ceremony they must be able to correctly pronounce and I , Dhamma training understand the sacred undertaking of “Buddham Saranam Gacchami” - I and Dhamma-practice. go to the Buddha for ; “Dhammam Saranam Gacchami” - I go to the SANGHAMITTA THERI FORGED THE LIBERATION OF BUDDHIST WOMEN Dhamma (Teaching) for refuge; “Sangham Saranam Gacchami” - “I go to the (the Holy Order) for refuge.  ey must say these a rmations Samanera Initiation by Ranjitha Weerakoon three times.  e candidates, a er shaving their heads and donning the On the seventh day of Buddha’s yellow robes, perform acts of declaration before their Bhikkhu teachers. arrival at the Kapilavatthu City, All Samaneras must observe ten precepts. His young son Prince Rahula was o other historical event impacted on the status of buddhist new directions to women, taking them out from a cultural wilderness and women as the establishment of the Bhikkhuni order bringing them into the socio-cultural mainstream as literate persons and  us the attainment of Samaneraship is a rst step to achieve a full duly adorned with rich, costly Princess Yasodhara encouraging by Sanghamitta Theri. Her arrival in Sri Lanka on a leading them to play a role in matters of signi cance. ordination known as upasampadda bhikkhuship if one attains the age of clothes and ornaments by his her son Prince Rahula to seek his Unduwap(December) full moon Poya day 2250 years ago gave twenty. mother Yasodhara, to mark the inheritance from the Buddha. N 4 | FEATURE FEATURE | 5

If  era who had made preparations for his visit to Sri Lanka however, had an idea that women would be keen followers of THE JAYA SRI MAHA BODHI TREE OF ANURADHAPURA, and that some of them would desire even to be Bhikkhunis, he may have SRI LANKA arrived in preparation for such an event. But it appears that it had not occurred to him that women would be eager students of the doctrine and that they had the capacity to absorb the complexities of the Dhamma until n nite are the ways in which to King Devānāmpiyatissa. From Buddha Gayā, the branch was taken to King Devanampiyatissa conveyed to him Queen Anula Devi’s desire to be Nature creates life and Pātaliputta, thence to Tāmalittī, where it was placed on a ship and taken to a Bhikkhuni. preserves it.  e tree which Jambukola, across the sea. Finally it arrived at Anuradhapura, staying on As Vinaya (the rules that govern the conduct of Bhikkhus) permits only not only provides sustenance the way at Tivakka. a Bhikkhuni to ordain a woman, Mahinda  era pointed out to the King Iand shade to man but also adds Those who assisted King Bhikkhunis in Sri Lanka the need to send the request to Emperor Asoka to send his daughter colour to his environment is truly Devānāmpiyatissa at the one of the most precious gi s of Sanghamitta  eri, the twin sister of Mahinda  era to ful l the task. ceremony of the planting of the places of higher learning with scholars and observers from arriving Nature.  is was followed by sending Devanampiyatissa’s nephew and Minister Tree at Maha Meghavana, the to follow them. Arittha to the Mauryan capital along with the request to bring a Bo sapling  e tree that plays the most Royal Gardens at Anuradhapura, from the Bodhi Tree in Buddhagaya under which the Buddha attained  is was yet the era when oral tradition was practised and Mahinda  era important role in the cultural and were the nobles of Kājaragāma, enlightenment. - the great communicator was preaching in Sinhala. But the Dhamma was spiritual life of the Buddhists of Sri Candanagāma and of Tivakka. in Pali, the language used by the clergy including Sanghamitta  eri and Lanka is the Bodhi tree. (Sanskrit: Emperor Asoka was prepared for the departure of his son Mahinda  era How this tree yielded its rst the international literati. Bhikkhunis in their quest to learn the Dhamma, bodhi vriksha, Pali: bodhi rukkha, Buddha attained Enlightenment saplings adds many more to Sri Lanka which was a result of a decision to send out dhammaduta learnt Pali which helped them to understand the Dhamma and interact Sinhala: bo ruka or bo gaha) under the Bodhi Tree unexplained theories to its story. e Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Tree in missions to states outside India.  e decision was made at the third Botanists identify this tree as Ficus with scholars.  is was the rst step taken by women to the elevation of  us records the Mahavamsa: Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka Dhammasangayanaya ( e Buddhist Council) held a er the Parinibbana Religiosa or commonly known as ‘pipphal’ tree. Every literacy which led them to be equal partners. of the Buddha. on the island nurtures a bodhi tree as one of the three sacred objects that Learning Pali had continued into the mid millennium as with every temple is proud of, the other two being the that enshrines  e Emperor was however, reluctant to send his only daughter on an “Amidst that great assembly, which was amazed with the miracle, a

documentation commenced, the rst Pali chronicle on the island’s history the corporeal relics of the Buddha and the Shrine Room that houses the “fruit that was on the east branch became ripe even as they gazed and overseas mission. Besides the emotional reasons, it was an arduous journey

– the Dipavamsa, was written by a group of Bhikkhunis in the 4th century Buddha images. fell down unspoiled. e era picked it and gave it to the king to going down the Ganges and sailing overseas from the  amralipta port AD – a fact endorsed by professors G.P. Malalasekera, Sirima Kiribamuna  e Bodhi Tree forms an integral part of Buddhist ritual because of its plant. e ruler planted it in a golden bowl... Even as all were looking to Dambakolapatuna, which few women at the time would have dared “ and Wilhelm Geiger. Written essentially to propagate the Dhamma, association with the life of the Buddha. He gained Enlightenment sitting at it, eight shoots sprang and grew into eight Bodhi-saplings and, with to undertake. Sanghamitta  eri prevailed. But neither the  eri nor the Dipavamsa mostly in Pali verse, signi es the impact Buddhism had on under the Bodhi tree. Even before His Enlightenment, this tree was long his mind amazed, honoured them by o ering the white parasol and Emperor may have realized at the time as to how her visit would be a the literacy level of women where women rst mastered the then elite Pali regarded as a holy tree in India. bestowed on them royal consecration.” (Mahavamsa, p.600) turning-point in the history of all women. language and proceeded to edit a 22-chapter chronicle. Besides historical A er His Enlightenment, the Buddha showed His gratitude to this Tree Sanghamitta  eri – a woman liberator in every sense of the word, on the events, it has given a detailed account of the Bhikkhuni Order from the by gazing at it fondly and xedly from a distance for one whole week  e Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is also known to be the most sacred Bodhi tree. conclusion of the planting ceremony of the Bo Sapling which took place inception of Maha Prajapathi Gotami  eri through Sanghamitta  eri upon getting up from His seat of Enlightenment. On another occasion,  is came upon the Buddhists who performed rites and rituals near the in 288 BC in the picturesque Mahamevuna Park setting o a tradition with names mentioned of every missionary who accompanied Sanghamitta the Buddha advised His followers to plant a Bodhi Tree to represent Him Bodhi tree.  e Bodhi tree was known to cause rain and heal the ill. When of Bodhi worship. She then proceeded to accomplish her mission of  eri to Sri Lanka. during His absence. Ever since, the Buddhist world has been venerating an individual became ill, one of his or her relatives would visit the Bodhi ordaining Queen Anula Devi.  e Queen had already reached Sothapanna this sacred Tree which represents the Enlightenment of the Master. Dipavamsa which was not an individual e ort but written by a generation tree to water it seven times for seven days and to vow on behalf of the sick – a higher spiritual status a er listening to the sermons of Mahinda  era. of Bhikkhunis over a period of time also served as the chief source of Bodhi trees which have a great signi cance in the for a speedy recovery. A rm belief prevails among Buddhists that certain Five hundred upasikas from all levels of society joined the Bhikkhuni information to post Dipavamsa documentations such as Mahavamsa. is the Bodhi Tree at the Sri in Buddha Gaya, the Devas (Gods) protect and in uence the vicinity. order along with her. What is signi cant however is that Dipavamsa is a literary exercise of Anandabodhi Tree in Sravasti, (both in India) and the Bodhi Tree in A sacred tree will always have a set of taboos in order to maintain its  ese Bhikkhunis were accommodated at Upasika Viharaya - a specially Sri Lanka’s earliest literary period and is an illustration as to what extent Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. sanctity. One such taboo relates to the felling of such trees or cutting down built monastery in a park at Anuradhapura while Mahinda  era and Buddhism had impacted on Sri Lankan women.  e bodhi Tree at Anuradhapura was originally named as Jaya Sri Maha its branches.  is was the dilemma that Emperor Asoka faced when he the Bhikkhus were staying at an Aramaya built in Mahamevuna Park – a Bodhi or popularly known as Jaya Siri Maha Bodin Vahansa or Sirima decided to send a branch of the bodhi tree to Sri Lanka.  e Bodhivamsa, Emulating Sanghamitta  eri, Bhikkhunis in the  h century AD according monastery-complex which later developed as the .  e sacred Bodinnanse. It is a sapling of the original tree under which the Buddha the chronicle of the Bodhi tree, poses the questions that arose in the to Mahavamsa, sailed the seas taking the Buddhist doctrine with them. In Bo sapling was planted in close proximity to the Aramaya. attained Enlightenment in Buddha Gaya, India.  e bodhi tree is considered Emperor’s mind thus: 426 AD eleven Bhikkhunis, under Davasara  isarana  eri went to China to be the southern bough or right branch of the original Indian tree. It

Apart from the performance of religious customs on the Sacred Bodhi on board a Sri Lankan ship captained by Nandi and ordained over 300 was brought to Sri Lanka by the

Tree by those sent by Emperor Asoka especially assigned to the task and Bhikkhunis in Nanking – the capital in the Sung Dynasty. Chandramali famous Indian Buddhist nun, “Who will lay a sword on the body of this sacred tree full of miraculous construction, arts and cra s taking place there followed tremendous  eri led the second group to Tibet to spread Buddhim in 429 AD. “powers? How will the sword touch this body? It is not possible to cut o Venerable Sanghamitta  eri, activity initiated by Mahinda a branch of the tree without a weapon. How will the branch that is not “  e Bhikkhuni Sasana begun by Sanghamitta  eri disappeared with the daughter of Emperor Asoka who Thera and Sanghamitta Theri. separated go to Lanka? How can a branch that cannot be touched with fall of Anuradhapura in 1017AD. It took almost another millennium to re- was instrumental in propagating Anuradhapura came alive and the a sword be sent to Lanka?” establish the Order - in the year 2000 when assistance was sought from the with Discourses on Buddhism twin sister of Bhikkhu Mahinda descendents of the Bhikkhunis of China who were ordained by Sri Lankan conducted in the respective who introduced Buddhism to Sri Bhikkhunis in 426 AD. Even today no Buddhist with faith will volunteer to cut down a branch monasteries. Discussions Lanka. of this tree, let alone fell it. If it became necessary to cut a branch or fell and debates on the Buddhist According to the Mahavamsa, the tree, in order to protect an image or a building that is under it, then a doctrine brought interaction and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Sri special set of rituals were observed. For instance, monks will chant pirith participation of Bhikkhus and Lanka was planted in 288 BC, in order to protect the man who carries out this task. Unless one is not Bhikkhunis. making it the oldest verified ritually protected thus, “ ou shalt not cut this tree!”, for it is the Buddha specimen of any angiosperm. himself in symbol.  ese activities were of such high In this year (the twelfth year calibre that the two monasteries of King Asoka’s reign) the is article is adapted and edited from ‘What Buddhists believe according to ancient literary works Bodhi tree sapling brought by about the Bodhi Tree – ou shalt not cut this Tree by Prof. J. B. Venerable Sanghamitta eri Bodhi Sapling brought to Sri Lanka had reached the level of renowned Venerable Sanghamittā  eri to Disanayaka and Wikipedia ~ Editor arriving with the Bodhi Tree sapling by Venerable Sanghamitta eri Anurādhapura, was presented Professional and empowered Buddhist women 6 | BMV NEWS AND ACTIVITIES BMV NEWS AND ACTIVITIES | 7

1. Coming up from December 2017 to January 2018 2. Past Activities in November Non-stay in Meditation Retreat by Achariya Upul Gamage 42nd Novitiate Programme Sanghamitta Full Moon Day Dhamma Talk - 11th November - 14th November - 1st December to 10th December - 2nd December @ 7am – 7pm Achariya Upul Nishanta Gamage Date : Friday, 10th November @ 8.00pm he Annual Novitiate Programme, jointly organised by the Sasana special Observance of 8 Precepts Programme will be organized in Topic : Meditation Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society (SAWS), Buddhist Missionary Society honour of Venerable Sanghamitta  eri, a Buddhist nun who was the T A – e Solution to Inner Tra c Malaysia (BMSM) and Young Buddhist Association of Malaysia(YBAM) daughter of the great Emperor Asoka of India. She brought with her to Sri will be held at the Buddhist Maha Vihara from 1st Dec to 10th Dec.  is Lanka, a sapling of the Bodhi year’s programme will be conducted by Venerable R. Padmasiri from Sri tree under which the Buddha Lanka.  e medium of instruction will be English and all food consumed attained Enlightenment and served for the duration will be vegetarian. We look forward to your and is also credited with presence and participation in the following events:- the establishment of the Shaving Ceremony - Friday 1st December at 3.00pm Bhikkhuni Order in Sri Lanka from where it spread to other Sri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul Ordination Ceremony - Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 9.00am countries. A programme of th Pindapata - Sunday 10 December at 9.30am meditation and dhamma - 100 years Anniversary Closing Ceremony - Sunday 10th December at 2.00pm talks will be led by Bhikkuni Sumangala. All women are ri Lanka Buddhist Temple, Sentul celebrated their 100 years Anniversary (1917 to encouraged to participate. S2017) with a Bodhi Puja blessings for the temple on the 5th of November at 2pm Bhikkhuni Sumangala will followed by a special programme and Sanghika Dana on the 12th November from 9am also give a Dhamma talk a er to 2pm. Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Chief Sangha Nayaka, the President, the full moon puja at 8.00pm. Management Committee and members of the Sri Jayanti Association.

Participants of 2016 Novitiate Programme Guests observing the 5 precepts New Year Eve Blessing Service - 31st December at 11.30pm

special puja to usher in the New Year 2018 will be held at A11.30pm.  e Maha Sangha will conduct blessings and chant Suttas till past midnight.

Guests of Honour lighting the oil lamp Performance by SAWS Sinhala Cultural Troupe Non-stay in Meditation Retreat New Year Blessing Service - by Dr. M. Punnaji Maha era - 1st January 2018 at 7.30am

nder the Buddhist egin the New Year by invoking the Blessings of the Noble Triple Gem UMaha Vihara’s Dhamma Bfor the peace, happiness and good health of yourself and your family Dana Series for December, members by attending the special puja followed by chanting of the suttas a 9 day non-stay in Retreat by the Maha Sangha. will be organized from 15th December to 23rd December.  e programme will be conducted by Bhante Dr Punnaji, a highly sought dhamma speaker and meditation teacher. Bhante holds 2 doctorates from USA and draws resources from world history, psychology, modern science and philosophy. For further queries, please contact the BMV o ce at 03-22741141 Guests of Honour in a group photo 8 | DHAMMA STUDY WITH BHANTE PUNNAJI PROJECTS | 9

DHAMMA STUDY WITH BHANTE PUNNAJI – Part 5 Lend A Hand

he Buddhist Maha Vihara “Lend A Hand” programme is to support the undertaking of a number of crucial projects that are needed for continuous “Venerable Dr. M. Punnaji Maha Thera has kindly written an article on Tmaintenance and upgrading for the bene t of all devotees. We appeal to your kind generosity to help us realize the following:

Dhammacakkapavattana Sutta but because it is lengthy and clearly explained,

Bhante has broken it up in 5 parts. Part 5 will be the last and with this ends • Shrine Hall External Painting (Heritage Refurbishment) • Replacing the 56 Buddha Statues’ Huts with - Est : RM 150, 000 stainless steel panels/tampered glass - Est : RM 26,800 the series which started with the August issue. We are most grateful to Bhante “ • Shrine Hall Lights Punnaji for the time taken to explain this important Sutta to us - Editor - Outside - Est : RM 40,000 - Inside - Est : RM 10,000

REVOLUTION OF THE WHEEL OF EXPERIENCE Dhamma Cakka Pavattana Sutta

Transcending the animal nature he main message in this Sutta called the Revolution of the Wheel of Experience is to show the way to bring about a transformation of the human mind.  is means the human being is transformed from a normal (putujjana) state into a Supernormal (ariya) state. T e normal human being is partly animal and partly human.  e aim of the Buddha was to eliminate the animal part and turn him into a fully • Renovation and Repainting - Est : RM 16,000 • Lotus Fountain Lighting - Est : RM 3,000 human state.  is fully human state however is not normal. It is Super normal. Just as modern psychotherapy is an e ort to turn an abnormal person to a normal state, the aim of the Buddha was to turn a normal person to a Supernormal state.  e Buddha introduced this transformation in the form of the Fourfold Supernormal Reality (cattari ariya saccani): 1. Anguish (Dukkha) 2. Cause (Samudaya) 3. Cure () 4. Method (Magga)  is transformation is achieved by awakening from the dream of existence. It is the delusion of existence that brings about the worries and anxieties of life. and time. To occupy space is to have length, breath, height and weight. To Anguish originates from the emotional reaction (tanha) to feelings occupy time is to have a past present and future.  e past of the body is pleasant, unpleasant and neutral.  is is followed by personalization of birth.  e future of the body is death. In between is aging and sickness.  e the reaction (upadana), which produces a sense of “self” ().  e result is grief (soka), lamentation (parideva), pain (dukkha), depression • 2 units 20 x 30 Marguee c/w 6 in raised platforms for holding activities - Est : RM 25,000 per unit “self” is then identi ed as the body (sakkaya ditthi), which occupies space (domanassa) and exhaustion (upāyāsa). • Concrete  ooring behind the Shrine with drainage for the Marquee - Est : RM 12,500 It was Hans Selye, who introduced the idea of stress into the modern • Vehicle for Transport - Est : RM 80,000 world and spoke about the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS). He spoke of three stages, which correspond exactly to the stages mentioned by the Buddha. SPONSORED 1. Alarm reaction (grief, and lamentation = soka parideva)  Sponsor for repainting of the 56 Buddha Statues @ Bodhi Trees 2. Stage of resistance (pain and depression = dukkha domanassa) – Sis Niranjalee Monica De Silva 3. Stage of exhaustion (exhaustion = upāyāsa) – Total Cost : RM4,800 When He began to deliver this sermon, the Buddha had just awakened  Sponsor for rewiring and changing to LED lights of the 56 Buddha Statues from the dream of existence. He had entered the world to beat the drum – In Loving Memory of the late Mr H. E. Cyril Perera and Mrs Irene Perera of immortality to all those who were able to hear and bene t from His –Total Cost : RM3,800 discovery. Open is the door to immortality For those who have ears to hear Listen to my sound And be free from DEATH 10 | PEN PORTRAITS SENIOR LIVING | 11

PEN PORTRAITS FAMILY CONFLICTS OVER ELDERLY PARENTS – Portraits of 93 Eminent Disciples of the Buddha s elderly parents begin to rely on family for more support, the amount of con ict between adult children can increase. Dealing

e theme is to pay tribute to the 80 Maha Arahants and the 13 Maha eri Arahants, with a parent’s care can rekindle sibling rivalries that have lain

“ dormant for years, and the discord can tear families apart. who had by their e orts won emancipation of a rare distinction. ey belonged to the innermost circles in the life of the . e Buddha and the Maha Arahants “ A were together at all times. eir lives portray heroic endeavour - Editor Causes of Family Confl icts Family dynamics are in nitely complex, but two underlying themes run through most sibling disputes about their parent’s care: injustice and No 11. Cūlapanthaka Th era heart and because of this Cūlapanthaka was born as a inheritance. – e Mind can work Miracles slow-witted person in the present existence. Cūlapanthaka with the white cloth When Mahāpanthaka discovered his brother’s as instructed by the Buddha No 12. Mahāpanthaka Th era stupidity, he asked him to leave the Order, but 1. Injustice – e Formless Plane was his beat Cūlapanthaka so loved the Buddha’s teaching that he served, the Buddha ordered it to be stopped, saying When one sibling shoulders a disproportionate burden of Dad or Mom’s ūlapanthaka was an eminent Arahant, did not wish to return to the lay-life. that there were other monks le in the monastery. care, that sense of unfairness can foster resentment. O en, by virtue skilled in creating forms by mind-power His grief grew when his elder brother made On being answered that there were none, the Buddha of distance, the siblings who live further away are “o the hook” when and in mental “evolution” (cittavivatta). preparations to attend an almsgiving of the physician replied that there was one and directed them to it comes to caring for an aging parent, while the nearest siblings are Tips for Improving Communication with Your Siblings His elder brother Māhapanthaka’s Jivaka Komarabhacca, to 500 Bhikkhus and the fetch Cūlapanthaka from the monastery. When the obliged to take on a caregiving role. When the caregiving sibling asks for messenger from the house of Jivaka arrived at the During a Family Disagreement Caspiration was to be foremost in Jhana power in the Buddha the following day but Cūlapanthaka was help from other siblings, the other siblings o en don’t fully appreciate, monastery he found not only one Bhikkhu, but a  ere are no easy answers to settle disputes between siblings who are formless world. prophesied forbidden to follow since he had made no progress in or choose to ignore, how much help their parent needs, and how much that both would have their aspirations ful lled in the the Doctrine. thousand identical Bhikkhus. butting heads over a parent’s care, but maintaining communication is Dispensation of Gautama Buddha.  e two brothers work one sibling is doing. It was in this connection that, on one occasion, the  ey were all created by Culapanthaka, who by now crucial. Consider using these tips for improving communication with were the sons of the daughter of a rich Treasurer of Bhikkhus asked the Buddha why Mahāpanthaka, even possessed supernormal powers.  e messenger was your siblings during a family disagreement: Rājagaha, who developed intimacy with a servant of though he was an Arahant, turned his younger brother ba ed and he turned back and reported the matter 2. Inheritance her father’s household and  ed with him when her Cūlapanthaka out of the monastery.  ey also added to Jivaka.  e messenger was sent to the monastery Many siblings clash over a parent’s nances. With the average American misconduct was discovered. for the second time and was instructed to say that A Family Meeting “Do the Arahants still lose their temper? Do they still household’s net worth declining since 2007, siblings must divide an even the Buddha summoned the Bhikkhu by the name of Ideally, siblings can correct issues before they become irreconcilable.  e She wished to return to her parents for the birth of have moral de lements like ill will in them?” smaller inheritance, naturally increasing the likelihood of con ict. In a her rst child but her husband always postponed the Cūlapanthaka. But when he delivered the message, key is good communication, and a tried and true strategy to facilitate To them the Buddha replied, “Bhikkhus! Arahants perfect world, each of us is sel ess and not motivated by money, but visit. In the end, she went without his knowledge. a thousand voices responded, “I am Cūlapanthaka.” have no moral de lements like passion and ill will in the exchange of ideas is the family meeting. At a family meeting, there Fortunately the husband followed her as the child Again ba ed, he turned back.  en he was sent we live in a far from perfect world where money is indispensable, so it them. Mahapanthaka acted as he did with a to should be frank and open discussion about a parent’s care needs. Each was born by the wayside.  erefore they named him to the monastery for the third time.  is time, he remains a problem within families. bene ting his brother and not out of ill will”.  en sibling’s role and obligations should be established, and future plans Panthaka.  e same thing occurred at the birth of the was instructed to get hold of the Bhikkhu who rst the Buddha spoke in verse as follows: Caregiving is stressful on its own, but when injustice and inheritance are should be made. But if the question of where to hold a family meeting second child. Because of the fact that this child was said that he was Cūlapanthaka. As soon as he got Verse 407 added to a situation, they can create animosity between siblings. When also born on the road, the rst born child was named hold of that Bhikkhu all the rest disappeared, and leads to a bitter argument in and of itself, the friction may have gotten Mahāpanthaka and this other Cūlapanthaka. ‘Him I call a brahmana, from whom passion, ill will, Cūlapanthaka accompanied the messenger to the family dynamics are already tense because one sibling feels unjustly past the point when a family meeting can help. pride and detraction have fallen o like a mustard house of Jivaka. A er the meal, as directed by the overburdened with a parent’s care, money can compound the con ict. When the boys grew up they were taken to Rājagaha, Buddha, Cūlapanthaka delivered a religious Discourse seed from the tip of an awl’. A sibling who provides most of a parent’s care may feel entitled to a where their grandparents took charge of them. con dently and bravely, roaring like a young lion. Advisors, Counsels and Mediators Mahāpanthaka o en accompanied his grandfather to Greatly grieved, Cūlapanthaka was ready to leave the greater share of an inheritance. Or, siblings who are more distant or not Sometimes a neutral third-party can calm feuding siblings. A Place for Order but as he was going out the Buddha met him, Later, when the subject of Culapanthaka cropped hear the Buddha preach and he yearned to become involved may believe that the caregiving sibling is spending too much Mom Senior Living Advisors, who work directly with families as they a monk. He easily obtained permission and entered took him into the Gandhakuti Hall and comforted up among the bhikkhus, the Buddha said that one money on a parent’s care. Sometimes, the children of aging parents will who was diligent and steadfast in his striving would plan a parent’s care, have defused many disputes between siblings over the Order, in due course becoming an Arahant. With him, giving him a clean piece of cloth. “Sit with your even resist plans for professional care in order to “protect” an inheritance. the consent of his grandparents, Mahāpanthaka face to the East,” said the Buddha, repeat the words certainly attain Arahanship. lengthy conference calls. Family counselors can also help to bridge the in uenced his younger brother Cūlapanthaka to join ‘rajoharanam’ which means ‘taking on impurity’. Cūlapanthaka was an expert in rupajjhana and in di erences between siblings, assuming they still talk to one another. the Order.  e latter proved to be slow and in the Seeing this change in the condition of the cloth, , while his brother Mahāpanthaka was skilled If things have become really heated, a family mediator specializing in course of four months was unable to learn a single Cūlapanthaka came to realize the impermanent nature in arupajjhana and in vipassana. When creating senior care issues may be able to break through the ill will and help build stanza. It is said that in the time of , of all conditioned things (anicca). From the house of forms, other monks could produce only two or three, consensus and nd middle-ground. Cūlapanthaka was a clever monk, who always scorned Jivaka, the Buddha through supernormal power learnt while Cūlapanthaka could bring into being as many as a slow colleague who was trying to learn a passage by about the progress of Culapanthaka.  e Buddha sent one thousand at the same time, no two being alike in forth his radiance so that He appeared to be sitting in appearance or action Th e High Road front of Cūlapanthaka, saying:  e Dhammapada contains a verse uttered by the Ultimately, the only person we can change is ourselves. No matter how “It is not the piece of cloth alone that is made dirty Buddha in praise of Cūlapanthaka much we try to reason with a disagreeable sibling, we may not succeed. by the dust; within oneself also there exist the dust of passion (), the dust of ill will (dosa), and the Dhammapada Verse 25 While advocating for what’s best for our parent, it’s wise to let go of anger dust of ignorance (), i.e., the ignorance of the (Cūlapanthaka Vatthu) or resentment towards a sibling who has been unhelpful or hurtful, . Only by removing these could one and to strive for the undeniable peace that comes from acceptance and Utthanena’ ppamadena achieve one’s goal and attain Arahantship”. forgiveness; neither sti ing our impulse to call out an uncooperative samyamena damena Cūlapanthaka understood the message and kept on cadipam kayiratha medhavi1 brother or sister, nor allowing ourselves to be consumed with anger. meditating and in a short while attained Arahantship, yam ogho2 nabhikirati. together with Analytical Insight.  us, Cūlapanthaka Verse 25: rough diligence, mindfulness, discipline ceased to be a dullard. (with regard to moral precepts), and control of his Meanwhile, the Buddha and the monks were seated e Panthaka brothers seeking counsel from senses, let the man of wisdom make (of himself) an in Jivaka’s house but when the meal was about to be island which no  ood can overwhelm. one of the Venerables. 12 | FRIENDS OF THE VIHARA (FOV) ACTIVITIES BUILDING FUND | 13

Monthly Provisions Grocery Bag Orang Asli Project BUILDING FUND - 11th November visit to Sri Sai Orphanage in Klang with monthly provisions took place on 15th October. he Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School Building is almost riends of the Vihara “Compassion A Building Construction Report to Date complete except for some minor work le to nish. As the gures in Action group carried out the 2nd T F in the box to the le shows, we are still short by 3.5 million of reaching Grocery Bag Orang Asli Project on Target Sum is RM8.5 million our target. A big amount indeed. We are counting on your kind support Saturday, November 11, 2017. Volunteers and generosity (Dana) to either co-sponsor or kindly help us source for travelled to Perak-Pahang border in Collected Sum to date is RM5.844 million sponsors for the following. All donations are Tax Exempted. Ulu Slim, Tanjung Malim to reach out to another three orang asli settlements of Senoi ethnic group with a total of 72 families. FOV volunteer entertaining the Sri Sai Orphanage children happy children of the Orphanage with their monthly provisions Close up of provisions

Group Photo before leaving Distributing some groceries Families with their provisions

| Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School (BISDS)

Art Competition - 22nd October Prize Giving and Concert - 12th November ISDS students aged 11 to 13 participated in an art competition Borganised by the Lions Club.  e theme of the art competition was tudents of all ages showed o their talents in singing, dancing and “THE FUTURE OF PEACE”. Congratulations to the winners.  ank you Sin many other interesting performances. Prizes were given out to to the students who participated and teachers who accompanied them. students for best dhamma knowledge, best attendance and best overall student for the various examinations. Congratulations to all the prize winners for doing their best. Well done to the students and teachers for creative performances to entertain the audience.  ank you to all the dedicated and hard working teachers who give up their Sundays to teach the Dhamma.  e event was held at the SRJK (T) Vivekananda School Hall.

Winning students with their Serious concentration with an aim Teachers and Lions Club members to win

Building Fund App - Guests of Honour Prize winners of dhamma exams For the convenience of Donors, an APP has been created and best attendance for android phone users for donations via mobile – Sariputta class Final Perspective towards the Building Fund. 14 | RECREATION RECREATION | 15

1. COLOUR THE PICTURE 2. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 4. CROSS-WORD PUZZLE – Samanera Rahula 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

12 13 14

15 16 17

18 19 20

21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28 28 30

31 32 33 34 35

36 37 38 39 40

3. WORD SEARCH 41 42 43 44

Word Search Game - Types of Gemstones 45 46 47 R R B T U E T N K T E R O P RUBY TURQUOISE X Y N O A T N O U T E R E A AQUAMARINE 48 49 50 51 52 53 T A O U Y I T R D R T N E Q CITRINE SAPPHIRE 54 55 56 S E D A J R Q A O I I L R U AMETHYST Y E Q N S U X R A L R E I A GARNET OPAL 57 58 59 H T N A O Z L R A E P E H M ONYX T E I I K A K M D H R L P A PEARL

Answers — Solution time: 21 mins.

E W E D E N A W S A PERIDOT M

ACROSS DOWN

E O W E N I M A Y N

E M S E U U R E A I R M P R TOURMALINE 1 Space 35 Tragic 1 Petrol 27 “Little Women” woman A

L L O D N I T A S A N 4 Angels’ illuminants 36 Speaks unclearly 2 Khan title 29 Sea eagle R

EMERALD 9 Total 38 Guy’s counterpart 3 Cauldron 30 Prognosticator

D A T R E G D A M E T M E U N T A U Z G A I B

12 Past 40 Away from WSW 4 Lent a hand 32 Pharmaceutical

R E D A E L D E U JADE 13 Vote into offi ce 41 Regretted 5 Outstanding athlete 34 Cracker type R

14 Gorilla 43 Maestro, e.g. 6 Islander’s neckwear 37 Teeter-totter E N E L A G S R U L

A R O R O I A Z B O P O S N KUNZITE S

15 Moon, for instance 45 Wisconsin, the — State 7 Group of eight 39 Tilted

E R I D S E R D T E

T A E T R L A Y I O E I Y E TOPAZ 17 Youngster 47 Slight amount 8 Cordwood measures 42 Pulitzer Prize category R S E F A S M A D A B 18 COs’ forerunners 48 Genetic messenger 9 Content 44 Find 9 - Across A

AZURITE 19 Winter weasel 49 Duke Ellington classic 10 “Once — a time, ... “ 45 “Dracula” author Stoker S E E T T E K S A

A L I T G A R N E T P G A Y 21 Easter egg container 54 Whatever number 11 Apportion (out) 46 Actress Paquin B

E N I M R E S P

JASPER 24 Golf props 55 “ Excavating for — ” 16 Wapiti 50 Can material L

T O T E T I L L E T A 25 “The - Daba Honeymoon” 56 Trouble 20 Anthropologist Margaret 51 Have bills S

L D I M Z A P O T I E A E A 26 Water barrier 57 More (Sp.) 21 Behind — (in jail) 52 Depressed

E P A T C E L E O G

28 Vaults 58 Subsided 22 First victim 53 Shelter wire A

M U S S O L A H P A 31 On pension (Abbr.) 59 Ram’s mate 23 Halves of weekends G D C U Q J A S P E R N M L U 33 In medias — Buddhist Institute Sunday Dhamma School Building Nearing Completion

DONATIONS CAN BE MADE BY : - Cash (at the BMV Counter) - Cheque (made payable to “BISDS Building Fund”) - ATM Transfer / Direct Bank-in (Bank Acct : BISDS Building Fund, A/C No : CIMB 86-0011008-6. Please send the bank-in slip to [email protected]) You can support our project to serve you better by sponsoring : • Wall Finishes (12 @ RM25,000 each) • Classrooms – 3rd Floor (7 @ RM100,000 each) • Ceiling Finishing (12 @ RM25,000 each) • Li s (2 @ RM300,000 each • Basement Stores (3 @ RM50,000 each) • Meditation Pavilion Garden 1 (RM500,000) • Staircases (4 @ RM50,000 each) • Meditation Pavilion Garden 2 (RM750,000) • Flooring Finishes (9 @ RM50,000 each) • Kandyan Style Room (RM1 Million) • Sound proof glass counseling rooms (2 @ RM100,000 each) • Dewan Asoka – Refurbish Tile + Murals + Lights (RM1 Million) • Mezzanine Floor meeting rooms (3 @ RM100,000 each) • Parasol Roof + Frieze of Awkana Buddha Image (RM1.5 Million

DAILY ACTIVITIES You can donate towards our many projects : Mon - Sun - 6.30am - 7.30am Daily Morning Puja • Dhammadutta - 7.30pm - 8.30pm Daily Evening Puja • Free Buddhist Publications WEEKLY ACTIVITIES • Welfare Activities Mon, Wed, Thurs - 8.00pm - 10.00pm Meditation Class • Monks Dana Tues - 8.30pm - 10.00pm BMV Choir Practise • Sunday Dhamma School Thurs - 7.30pm - 9.00pm Senior Club Yoga Practise • Maintenance of Shrine Hall Fri - 1.00pm - 2.00pm Afternoon Puja & Talk • K Sri Dhammananda Library - 8.00pm - 9.30pm Dhamma Talk • Temple Lighting Sat - 7.30pm - 8.30pm Bojjhanga Puja • BISDS Building Fund - 9.30am - 11.30am Sanskrit Class Sun - 8.30am - 9.30am Morning Puja Payments can be made via : - 9.30am - 11.00am Abhidamma Class BMV O ce Counter : Cash, cheques & credit cards - 10.00am - 11.30am Dhamma Talk Postage : Make cheques payable to “Buddhist - 11.00am - 12.30pm Pali and Sutta Class - 2.00pm - 3.00pm Dhamma for the Deaf (fortnightly) Maha Vihara” & write your name - 9.30am - 12.00am Sunday School Session & contact telephone at back of the - 1.30pm - 5.00pm Classes cheque. Sinhala Cultural Dance Classes Direct Debit : Hong Leong Bank Brick elds - 2.00pm - 7.00pm Diploma & Degree in Buddhism Classes Acct : 292-00-01161-8 - 5.00pm Feeding the Homeless - 10.00am - 2.00pm Traditional Chinese Medicine (1st and 3rd Sun of the month. Please note there will be no clinic if a Public Holiday falls on the allocated Sunday))

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BMV OFFICE HOURS | MON – SAT : 9.00 am - 9.00 pm | SUN & PUBLIC HOLIDAYS : 9.00 am - 5.00 pm BUDDHIST MAHA VIHARA 123 Jalan Berhala, Brickfields 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-2274 1141 Fax: 03-2273 2570 Email: [email protected] Website: www.buddhistmahavihara.org